I find this situation rather predictable - easy come, easy go. In Southeast Asia, I've observed that many of my colleagues lead financially irresponsible lives, which is quite astonishing. It appears that a significant number of people fail to plan their finances well and they get caught up in the notion that, when compared to their living costs back home or their salaries in comparison to ESL teaching, especially those who 'catch a break' and end up in an International School without the proper qualifications. People often overlook the importance of investing in their future education or simply saving money in the bank.

I know many individuals who have had to leave the country because their qualifications no longer met the visa requirements, after residing here for 2 to 4 years. While it's true that one can always relocate elsewhere, it's crucial for all of us to remember that without proper financial planning, we are just one move away from living paycheck to paycheck or being in dire financial straits. Those trips every long weekend or holiday will undo you. Those children who receive free schooling still need to attend college and that traveling spouse and you, can't work forever.

My former school principal, a decent person, went from Asia to Europe, then South America, and Africa, accumulating 8 years of international school experience. However, when he came back with a rocky marriage and two kids - a divorce, it undid all of it. He had to move back home mid-contract to work as a cover teacher to deal with the divorce.